**Essentials Store at Tropicana Laughlin: Disappointing Customer Experience**

During my recent visit to the Tropicana Laughlin casino in Arizona, I had the opportunity to explore the Essentials store located within the premises. While the store offers a variety of gifts, food, drinks, and quick convenience items, my overall experience was marred by an unpleasant encounter with one of the cashiers.

Upon entering the store, I was greeted by a cashier who offered assistance, which I declined as I wanted to browse on my own. However, as I moved around the store, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being followed or watched, which made me uncomfortable. Despite there being other patrons in the store, I felt singled out, especially given that I am a black woman in a predominantly Caucasian area.

My disappointment peaked when I inquired about the price of a particular item, rice crispy treats, and received a response that left me feeling offended. Instead of simply stating the price, the cashier remarked that they were "extremely expensive" and apologized, insinuating that I may find them unaffordable. This unnecessary commentary not only failed to address my question but also made me question whether my race played a role in the response.

Feeling disheartened by the interaction, I chose not to make a purchase at that time. However, the following morning, I decided to address the issue with the store manager. While the manager apologized for the cashier's behavior and assured me that steps would be taken to rectify the situation, they also defended the store's pricing, citing it as a reason for the cashier's remark.

While I understand that prices may be higher in casino stores, customer service should never be compromised. It's disappointing that my simple inquiry was met with a dismissive and potentially discriminatory response. As a black woman, this experience left me feeling unwelcome and undervalued as a customer.

In conclusion, while the Essentials store offers convenience within the Tropicana Laughlin casino, improvements in customer service training and sensitivity are necessary to ensure that all patrons are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or background.